Anifrolumab, MedImmune‘s investigational antibody being developed to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, is no better than placebo at reducing disease activity, results from the pivotal TULIP 1 Phase 3 clinical trial show. “The result of this trial is disappointing for patients and the lupus community,” Sean Bohen, MD, PhD, said in…
Levels of circulating cell-free DNA can potentially be used as a biomarker for assessing disease activity and monitoring treatment effectiveness in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a study shows. The study, “High levels of circulating cell free DNA are a biomarker of active SLE,” was published in…
A series of recently identified small molecules targeting a protein called NR2F6 could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as lupus, according to Regen BioPharma. NR2F6 is a type of molecule called transcription factor that suppresses gene expression — the transcription of DNA into RNA, the…
Aker BioMarine, in collaboration with the Lupus Research Alliance, is launching the first clinical trial to assess the therapeutic activity and benefits of fatty-rich krill oil in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The trial (NCT03626311), which is not recruiting yet, is expected to enroll about 76 adults…
The levels of three specific proteins in the urine may help predict kidney injury and outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis, a study reports. The study, “Composite urinary biomarkers to predict pathological tubulointerstitial lesions in lupus nephritis,” was published in the journal Lupus. Kidney dysfunction affects up to…
Smoking was found to be associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) among black women, while moderate alcohol consumption significantly reduces the chances of developing the disease, a study reports. These findings are consistent with studies done in other…
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Exagen Diagnostics are collaborating on a study to assess the impact of the AVISE Lupus test, Exagen’s diagnostic test for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). “I have worked with CareFirst as a provider for a number of years and am excited to continue to work with CareFirst…
A type of immune cell found in the outer layer of the skin, called Langerhans cells, seem to be essential to protect the skin against photosensitivity in cutaneous and systemic forms of lupus. The study, “A protective Langerhans cell–keratinocyte axis that is dysfunctional in photosensitivity,” was published in…
Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial medication, can help normalize levels of an immune molecule that promotes inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, a study shows. The study, “Efficacy analysis of hydroxychloroquine therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a study on disease activity and immunological biomarkers,” was published in the journal Inflammopharmacology. Systemic lupus…
Virgin olive oil, especially its phenol components, showed anti-inflammatory properties in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in human immune cells, according to a new Spanish study. The findings suggest future use in SLE treatment. The research, “Virgin olive oil and its phenol fraction modulate monocyte/macrophage…